To the northeast of Corfu, just three nautical miles from neighbouring Albania, is the current region of Sinies. Today, when we say Sinies, we are referring to the former community of Sinies, which begins after the area of ​​Kouloura and continues until the beginning of Kassiopi.

Small and large settlements in the area are: Kerasia, Agios Stefanos, Avlaki, Agrilias, Liontari, Kammena Alonia, Vigla, Skatziolatika, Elaiourgia, Rou, Exeria, Megoulas, Tsikigiouros, Sandiki, Porta, Tritsi, Koki, Kremythas and Karyotiko.

It is a complex area that includes many small, popular mountain and coastal resorts that are generally accessible by vehicle and by boat. In short, it combines mountain and sea.

Seaside

Kerasia, Agios Stefanos and Avlaki form the coastal part of Sinies. They comprise small, scattered coves with the typically aquamarine-turquoise, crystal-clear waters and rocky pebble beaches.

Kerasia is a larger beach surrounded by trees and has sunbeds and umbrellas as well as various small bars and tavernas.

Agios Stefanos is one of the most sophisticated resorts in the area, with luxurious villas overlooking the entire length of this coastline; some built on the beach, others on the mountain slope or nestled among the olive groves, but all blessed with glorious sea views.  It is a traditional fishing village that also has a small port with tavernas offering traditional Greek cuisine, bars, mini markets and tourist shops.

Avlaki beach is a quiet, picturesque, organized, swimming beach which offers the possibility of boat hire, sailing or canoeing to explore the surrounding area. Essentially a small green bay, with the classic pebbles and cyan water of the wider area, this tranquil beach has a few tavernas with delicious local food.

Between Agios Stefanos and Avlaki beach are two important ecosystems; Lake Akoli and Vromolimni, which are connected by a network of trails that lead to some of the most beautiful and secluded beaches on the island, in the ​​Erimitis area.

Mountainous part

The mountainous part of Sinies consists of scattered villages and settlements on the slopes of Mount Pantokrator.

At high altitude, the views of the endless blue sea with the backdrop of the Albanian mountains are amazing. Mountain settlements, such as Rou, have renovated houses and villas for tourist accommodation and offer both peace and seclusion. Other completely authentic villages, untouched by tourist developments, offer an alternative tourism option and give insight into unique Corfiot village life.

The verdant, surrounding areas with the abundance of flora and fauna, and unparalleled views, are ideal for hiking. Unique paths twine their way between olive and cypress groves, some even leading to the ruined villages of Old Sinies. There is something for everyone in this diverse Sinies area.

On your way for Sinies exploration, you should visit Cava Tzortzatos in order to taste local wines and kumquat liqueur.

Source

ΓΑΡΝΕΛΗΣ, Νίκος (2004). “Παλιές Σινιές: ο χαμένος παράδεισος”, σελ. 13-14

Colleagues
Text Editor: Ada Kiriazi
Photography: Thomas Katsaros
Translation - Text Editor: Adelia Cook
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